1[For the choir director; [al tashcheth]; a [miktam] by David when Saul sent men to watch David's home and kill him.] Rescue me from my enemies, O my God. Protect me from those who attack me.

2Rescue me from troublemakers. Save me from bloodthirsty people.

3They lie in ambush for me right here! Fierce men attack me, O LORD, but not because of any disobedience,

4or any sin, or any guilt on my part. They hurry to take positions against me. Wake up, and help me; see [for yourself].

5O LORD God of Armies, God of Israel, arise to punish all the nations. Have no pity on any traitors. [Selah]

6They return in the evening. They howl like dogs. They prowl the city.

7See what pours out of their mouths- swords from their lips! [They think,] "Who will hear us?"

8O LORD, you laugh at them. You make fun of all the nations.

9O my strength, I watch for you! God is my stronghold, my merciful God!

10God will come to meet me. He will let me gloat over those who spy on me.

11Do not kill them. Otherwise, my people may forget. Make them wander aimlessly by your power. Bring them down, O Lord, our shield,

12[because of] the sins from their mouths and the words on their lips. Let them be trapped by their own arrogance because they speak curses and lies.

13Destroy them in your rage. Destroy them until not one of them is left. Then they will know that God rules Jacob to the ends of the earth. [Selah]

14They return in the evening. They howl like dogs. They prowl the city.

15They wander around to find something to eat. If they are not full enough, they will stay all night.

16But I will sing about your strength. In the morning I will joyfully sing about your mercy. You have been my stronghold and a place of safety in times of trouble.

17O my strength, I will make music to praise you! God is my stronghold, my merciful God!